Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and Third President of the United States of America.Apr 13, 1743 - Jul 04, 1826

1 Thomas Jefferson is known as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He helped the Americans to realize they needed to separate from Great Britain (England) and form the new nation. He was the main author of the Declaration of Independence.  Before becoming President of the United States in 1800, he was the Vice President under John Adams. 

2 He was born and educated in Virginia.  After graduating from college, he became a lawyer.  He helped to increase the new United States shipping trade as President.  He also organized the Louisiana Purchase which gave the United States more land as its own. He served two terms as President and is considered one of the greatest Presidents of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin- Politician, Author and Inventor Jan 17, 1706 - Apr 17, 1790

1 Benjamin Franklin was also considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.  He was a well-known author.  Many of his writings caused great uproar when the colonies were having such political differences with England (Great Britain). In fact, some people said he was a revolutionary because  his literary works helped the people in fighting to leave (separate from) England and become their own country . He is noted for his many inventions, as well.  His major inventions were that of electricity, the lightning rod, and a cooking stove.  Benjamin Franklin was a former speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

2 His writings include Poor Richard’s Almanack.  He was focused on improving one’s one behavior and even wrote a list of 12 virtues that he tried to improve on throughout his life. He wrote these at the early age of 20.

3 They are as follows: 1. Temperance, 2. Silence, 3. Order, 4. Resolution, 5. Frugality, 6. Industry, 7. Sincerity, 8. Justice, 9. Moderation, 10. Cleanliness, 11. Tranquility, 12. Humility. Franklin was an excellent reader, but did not graduate from any well- known school or college.  He was as some would say, self- educated. His family did not have the money to send him to school.